So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth;

It will not return to Me empty,

Without accomplishing what I desire,

And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:11

 Coping skills are overrated, can I just begin there? And I’d like to admit up front, I could be wrong. Lately, though, it seems that when I am with other Christians who are praying for someone, most of the prayers are about what I would call “coping skills”. Prayers to get the them through but not necessarily to get them over. Prayers like… God give the doctor wisdom, guide the surgeon’s hand, give the patient and the family peace, comfort, send people to help out, help them find the correct medication, etc…

Please don’t stone me yet, I think those are great things. But it seems to me that is immediately limiting God.

 Just because there is a diagnosis doesn’t mean it’s the only answer.

The question to ask is… does this diagnosis line up with the word of God?

What does God say about this?

Years ago, when we were planning on having our son John, a doctor (a specialist) looked over my records and my body and came to the conclusion that I would never conceive again but if, by some chance (I guess he wasn’t as certain as he let on) I did conceive, I would never carry full term again. He based this on my past two miscarriages, one taking a fallopian tube with the baby and my age and other factors. A logical and probably medically correct diagnosis, but it didn’t line up with God’s word. I would not allow people to pray that I would accept this and find peace in the situation and be comforted and give up. I would not settle for what I call “coping skills.” Only people who took God at His word which clearly says, there shall be none barren or miscarrying in Thy land could pray for me (Exodus 23:26). There are no qualifiers on this promise of producing a child – none, not even a 40 plus year old woman with only one fallopian tube and a history of miscarriages.

Our son’s birth proved the experts wrong and God word’s correct. What if I had settled for coping skills?

What if our first line of defense when a diagnosis came was a strong offense? What if, instead of asking for the grace to get through, we stood on the word of God and were victorious over the diagnosis?

Please don’t hear me wrong, I am not advocating dismissing a doctor’s report or treatment.  I am suggesting that there is a second opinion, another expert that should be consulted and His name is Jehovah Rapha – The Lord our Healer.

Only You, Lord know the end from the beginning. Only You know the correct diagnosis and the steps to victory.  I thank you for coping skills and the grace to hold up under trying circumstances. Your word, though is the final word and so I thank You for Your word that says I am healed by the stripes of Jesus. I will walk in that healing and be victorious over this diagnosis as I stand on Your word. I am gratefully Yours. When my faith falters would you cause Your word that has gone into me to rise up strong and be my offense. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

pic credit: Jesus Plus Nothing